A Hearty, Flavorful Italian-Inspired Soup
Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting, rustic dish packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and bold Italian flavors. This quick and easy recipe delivers a rich, creamy broth infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs—all in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute meal.
- Rich & Creamy: The combination of broth and a touch of cream creates a silky texture.
- Nutritious & Hearty: Loaded with lean protein, vegetables, and fiber-rich beans.
- One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different proteins, veggies, or dairy-free options.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
3. Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add Beans and Greens
Stir in the cannellini beans and baby spinach (or kale). Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the greens wilt.
5. Finish with Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with crusty bread or a side salad.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan.
- Use a Different Protein: Swap chicken for turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.
- More Vegetables: Add zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Lower Carb Option: Skip the beans and add more greens.
- Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Shred about 2 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken and add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker broth, mash some of the beans or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4–6 hours, adding the spinach, cream, and Parmesan in the last 30 minutes.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
To make it keto, omit the beans and use more chicken and low-carb veggies.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Add a little extra broth if needed.
What’s the best bread to serve with this?
Crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or a warm baguette pair perfectly.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for extra beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
Use roasted red peppers or an extra half-cup of diced tomatoes.
Can I meal prep this soup?
Yes! Make it ahead, store it in portions, and reheat as needed for a quick meal.
Conclusion
Tuscan Chicken Soup is a flavorful, nourishing dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly day, this creamy, hearty soup is sure to be a favorite. Try different variations to suit your taste, and don’t forget to serve it with your favorite bread for the ultimate cozy experience.
PrintDelicious Tuscan Chicken Soup Ready in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and comforting dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 (15-oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
- Build the Broth: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Beans and Greens: Stir in cannellini beans and spinach (or kale). Cook for 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for another 2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan.
- Alternate Proteins: Try turkey, sausage, or shrimp.
- Extra Vegetables: Add zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the beans and add more greens.
- Spicier Option: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Tuscan chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian soup recipe, quick soup recipe, one-pot soup Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!